On the Go? Summer Travel Essentials

A trip to the beach or even abroad. Here are some carry on essentials for easy summer travel. Pewter Sand Dollar Woven Handbag by NewportStyle.net, the Newport Mansions Stores.

July is National Parks and Recreation Month - A DAY AT THE BEACH: I really enjoy packing up and taking off for a impromptu trip to the beach, park or anywhere fun during the hot summer. Since July is National Parks and Recreation Month, visiting local spots first is always a good idea. One thing I've learned is to keep a bag packed with a few essentials for each destination.  My beach tote contains Mission Sun Defeated Continuous Spray Sunblock SPF 50 & their Moisturizing Lip Treatment, (SPF 20) as well as Jergens Natural Glow-Protect for a little color + sun block. My sunhat is made of woven raffia and is by Helen Kaminski . It is a tough hat, made in Australia and does an amazing job of blocking the sun.

Transitional Outfit: Horny Toad Dizzie Dress & Earthies Shoes. Knit topper by Cotton On goes from the AC'd office to an early evening picnic date in the park.

Taking a Trip?
If you are doing more than just a day trip, consider keeping a Carry-On bag of your favorite comfort items. These will vary depending on if you are traveling by car, train or plane but they all should be kept close at hand. Here's a few things that I take along that take up less space and do double duty.

All of these items fit easily inside my GLC Guilden Carry All with room for clothes & a pair of shoes.

Packing for a trip should include essentials like these, especially if you are going on a long distance tour. I keep a little bottle of Visine-A for allergy flare ups that can occur when you change climates. Also to stay extra fresh when you might not be able to get to your hotel, take along some baby wipes or Fresh Bath moist towelettes. You can refresh your whole body in the rest room. Speaking of keeping fresh, Secret Clinical Strength is amazing. It will keep you dry and fresh smelling for more than 24 hours even in hot, sticky climates. A clear zippered pouch like this allows you to quickly find what you need while protecting your luggage from product spills.

Embryolisse Hydra Masque and Eye & Lip Contour Cream do double duty.

On the Plane
If you fly, you'll know how important it is to pack your handbag with everything you'll need so as not to have to access your on board luggage in the bin above your head. Here's a situation where you might want to go bigger with your handbag as it can also carry extra clothing and other needed items.

I've found this system to work very well and having essentials like hand cream can work wonders in combating dry cabin air.  

In the Hotel
Likewise Embryolisse Hydro-Masque is a wonderful treat for dried out skin. Pop it on in your hotel room for 15 minutes and you'll be ready for dinner looking plumped and refreshed. I also like their Eye & Lip Contour Cream as it comes in a pump bottle and is both an eye and lip cream. Double duty out of one pump saves space and time switching between products!

Smart Travel First Aid kit has medicines and supplies especially helpful for traveling.

First Aid for Travelers
I keep a Smart Travel from Adventure Medical Kits with me as it is small enough to fit my carry all yet holds A LOT of supplies. Everything from aspirin and anti-nausea medicine to bandages, ointments and other first aid products. I keep a little tube of Topricin Pain Cream in my kit because it can be used for a lot of things like insect bites, bruises and aches. The kit itself is complete though and sectioned into areas depending on the emergency. It also has a little graphic card with pictures to convey your needs in a different language if you are traveling abroad. Everything is well thought out and can help put your traveling mind at ease!


Smart Travel c/o Adventure Medical Kits

Beach Chic: Helen Kaminski & Horny Toad Nantucket Style

Beach Chic Picnic-Horny Toad Dizzie Dress in Nectar

Summer means backyard barbecues, picnics by the pool and trips to the beach. Yes, pack your swimsuit but be ready for time out of the water too! Sometimes we don't plan ahead but when you do, YOU will be ready for that impromptu shopping trip or tour around the resort town. I've spent such beautiful days in Sag Harbor, Long Island to Nantucket Island, Mass. shopping along the village streets and this is how the classy ladies pull it all together:

Beach Chic Outfit

Hat-Crocheted Raffia Sun Hat, Helen Kaminski of Australia
Dress-Sizzle Sun Dress in Nectar, Horny Toad 
Knitted 3/4 Sleeved Topper in Coral, Cotton On
Shoes-Earth Vista Wedged Sandals in Alpaca, calf leather available at Nordstrom

Helen Kaminski Provence rollable, raffia hat

 Helen Kaminski Hats are handmade in Australia using natural raffia. These are crocheted so the unlike a woven hat, is more airy while allowing maximum sun protection on the beach. I purchased this hat at Nordstrom after my previous hat blew into a swimming pool at a party and wilted!  I asked for something indestructible that would not die if water hit it. The sales women pointed me to these hats.
Helen Kaminski Crocheted Raffia Hats pack easily as they are rollable. Practically bulletproof, it's the last sunhat you'll ever need to buy.

Naturalizer Penny Handbag in Orange Leather is the perfect travel & touring bag

Horny Toad Dizzie Dress in Nectar
This sundress is so lovely and comfortable, you're going to want to leave those cut-offs and tee shirts behind. Not too dressy but perfect for a warm summer day. Add a 3/4 sleeved topper once the sun goes down or for a little extra coverage in the sun. Dizzy Details include comfortable straps, a gathered back, front placard and darting for a fitted shape around the bust-line. The peachy-coral color ways compliment most any complexion with a blush of color and you can dress it up with a pretty necklace. Two generous pockets keep this dress fun and casual but very practical for a day out.

Back of the Dizzie Dress by Horny Toad

Earth Shoes: Vista Wedge Sandals in Alpaca, genuine calf leather. These sandals are made for comfort but you would never know just looking at the details and styling. This is a very balanced wedge sandal made for walking on the beach and off into the sunset afterwards. The lining of this sandal is so soft, cushioning your steps on the sand or sidewalk. I really like the tan tones of the Alpaca which nearly disappear into your own tawny legs! So show up with a beach chic look for your next summer outing as this outfit shows both styling and comfort.

Vista Wedge Sandals by Earth Shoes are available at Nordstrom